“Why are you so foolish?”
Felicia slowly bent down, squatting on the floor, her hands covering her face. The coldness seeping through her fingers hit the floor, and a profound sense of helplessness washed over her. Roberta’s fate had been like this, and so had Carmen’s. Felicia had once believed that rescuing Roberta from the mountain village had saved her from a tragic end, from being passed around and ultimately dying in obscurity. She had also believed that saving Carmen from isolation and bullying had prevented her from jumping from the school rooftop. But in the end, despite her efforts, both girls had died—because of her. It felt as if this was preordained; no matter the twists and turns, their endings, including her own, remained immutable.
Someone tapped her shoulder. Looking up, she saw the young real estate agent, who handed her a piece of paper. She noticed he was the only person left in the house. Taking the paper, she asked, “Where’s the client you were showing the house to?”
“They ran off…” he replied, looking helpless. He had been showing the house to a seemingly interested client—its below-market price was a strong selling point. But when the client saw Felicia crying, they had fled in fright.
Felicia was stunned, then stood. “So, I’m that scary, huh? Fine. I’ll buy the house. You don’t need to show it to anyone else.”
“Okay!” The agent, clearly relieved, nodded eagerly.
Felicia returned Carmen’s journal to its place and left with the agent. After locking the door, she paid with her card. She didn’t care about the remaining formalities; she only wanted to ensure no one else touched Carmen’s belongings.
When she returned to her apartment, she had barely settled when her phone rang. It was Vincent, head of Jupiter Group, her investment and company. She had a headache and longed for rest. Vincent was decisive; he wouldn't call unless a significant decision required her input.
She answered curtly. “What is it?”
He addressed the issue immediately. “Ms. Fuller, the sectors you asked me to monitor have developed. Are we proceeding with the acquisitions?”
It took her a moment to recall the sectors. They were less popular Fuller family industries, yet poised for future growth. At their last meeting, she had instructed Vincent to monitor them, especially given the family's near-bankruptcy, and to acquire them immediately if the opportunity arose. Now it had.
She replied without hesitation, “Buy them all. If the company lacks funds, I’ll cover the difference.”
“It’s sufficient, Ms. Fuller. Our user download and recharge rates—both new and old—have hit an unprecedented peak!” Even in success, his voice lacked arrogance, reflecting a growing steadiness. He was becoming a reliable leader.
She understood his earlier hesitation. He likely worried that acquiring the Fuller family's assets would be seen as profiting from their downfall, and that she might disapprove.